Defence Scheme No. 1 was created in 1921 and details a surprise attack on the northern U.S.
as soon as possible after evidence was received of an American invasion of Canada. According to the plan,
Canadian troops would immediately be sent to seize
Seattle, Washington;
Great Falls, Montana;
Minneapolis, Minnesota; and
Albany, New York in a surprise attack. In case of heavy resistance, the Canadians would retreat to their own borders, destroying
bridges and
railways to hinder any retaliation by the Americans. The purpose of the invasion would be to allow time for Canada to prepare its war effort and to receive aid from
Britain, or to limit the American invasion before the US government opted to discontinue the incursions. Defence Scheme No. 1 serves as a counterpart to the Americans'
War Plan Red, a plan to invade Canada, drafted in 1930.